Report Title:

Education; School Staffing

Description:

Ensures quality instruction and positive teacher-student interaction in public schools by allowing a reasonable reduction in school enrollment before reallocating staffing positions.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1151
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The Hawaii Parent Teacher Student Association 2006 legislative conference acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding class size and school flexibility regarding support and instructional staffing.  The board of education has implemented a policy on class size finding that reducing class size is necessary to promote quality instruction and positive teacher-student interaction.  The board's policy further states that research supports a lower student teacher ratio in the lower grades for optimum teaching and learning.  While the weighted student formula allocates moneys to public schools based on the educational needs of each student, the allocation of support and instructional staffing positions should be at the discretion of each individual school.

     The purpose of this Act is to ensure quality instruction and positive teacher-student interaction in our schools by allowing a reasonable reduction in school enrollment before reallocating staffing positions.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-   Reallocation of filled positions. (a) To promote quality instruction and positive teacher-student interaction, the department of education shall:

(1) Reallocate existing filled support staff positions only when a reduction of student enrollment has exceeded fifteen per cent in a two year period; and

(2) Reallocate existing filled instructional staff positions only when a reduction of student enrollment has exceeded an average of three students per class.

(b)  Any adjustments or transfers of personnel shall be reviewed with the school's annual financial and academic plan and approved by the student services coordinator.

(c)  This section shall not affect the implementation of the weighted student formula pursuant to section 302A‑1303.6."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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